A student measures the mass of an 8 cm object, a task that requires precision and attention to detail. This particular object, a standard-sized cylinder, is chosen for its simplicity and ease of handling. The student’s goal is to determine the mass of this object accurately, which will help in understanding its density and other physical properties.
The student begins by setting up a balance scale, ensuring it is level and stable. The 8 cm cylinder is then carefully placed on one side of the scale, while a known mass is placed on the other side to balance it. The student repeats this process several times, each time adjusting the known mass slightly, until the scale remains balanced. This process helps to minimize any errors that may arise from the scale’s sensitivity to slight changes in mass.
Once the scale is balanced, the student records the mass of the known mass, which is then used to calculate the mass of the 8 cm cylinder. The student takes into account any potential sources of error, such as air resistance or gravitational pull, and adjusts the recorded mass accordingly. This ensures that the final result is as accurate as possible.
The student then proceeds to calculate the density of the 8 cm cylinder by dividing its mass by its volume. Since the cylinder has a uniform cross-sectional area, the volume can be calculated using the formula for the volume of a cylinder: V = πr²h, where r is the radius of the base and h is the height. In this case, the radius is 4 cm (half of the diameter), and the height is 8 cm.
After performing the calculations, the student finds that the density of the 8 cm cylinder is 0.75 g/cm³. This value is consistent with the expected density of a typical metal cylinder, such as aluminum or brass. The student’s experiment not only helps in understanding the physical properties of the object but also reinforces the importance of careful measurement and calculation in scientific research.
In conclusion, the student’s measurement of the mass of an 8 cm object demonstrates the significance of precision and attention to detail in scientific experiments. By carefully following the steps of the experiment and analyzing the results, the student gains valuable insights into the physical properties of the object and the principles of measurement. This experience serves as a foundation for further exploration in the field of physics and encourages the student to continue honing their skills in scientific inquiry.
